The Moderator

Wednesday, October 26th 2011

14:04

Chavez 'has two years to live'

Days after Hugo Chavez, the Venezuelan president, declared himself to be cancer-free after receiving treatment in Cuba four months ago, claims by a Venezuelan doctor have cast further doubt over the true state of his health.

In an interview with a Mexican magazine, Doctor Salvador Navarrete says those close to the Venezuelan president told him that Chavez may have as little as two years to live.

Navarette, having since left Venezuela, says the death of Chavez could destabilise the country and has urged the government to be more honest with the citizenry in future talks surrounding the president's prognosis.